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How to Clear Up Your Blackheads

How to Clear Up Your Blackheads

Overview

Blackheads happen to just about everyone at some point in their lives. Blackheads are a form of acne that form when the openings of the hair follicles are blocked with oil and dead skin cells. The sebaceous gland then secretes sebum into the blackhead and, when oxidized, turns a dark color.

Step 1

Steam and clean your blackheads. When your expose your skin to hot steam, you can release the sebum that is trapped inside and clear up your blackheads. Boil water and pour into a bowl. Place your face over the steam close enough that you can feel the heat but not too close that you burn your skin. Place a towel over your head so that you trap the steam inside. Stay there for at least 10 minutes. Wash your face with a mild soap that does not contain any harsh chemicals or astringents that will irritate your skin and make your blackheads worse, like sodium lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl betain or polyethelene glycols.

Step 2

Use an extractor to clear up your blackheads. An extractor looks like scissors with loops on each end. The tool will remove the sebum from your blackhead. Disinfect the extractor by boiling it in water or applying disinfectant. Place the extractor around your blackhead very carefully. Gently and slowly squeeze the blackhead until the sebum releases. Dermatologist Dr. Alex Khadavi, M.D. says you should not extract blackheads that are inflamed or infected, as this will cause scarring.

Step 3

Visit your doctor or dermatologist if you do not respond to home remedies and treatments. A prescription topical cream can help your skin cells produce at a faster pace, which can help heal and clear blackheads. Your dermatologist will likely prescribe a vitamin A derivative called retinoid. MayoClinic.com reports the most common forms of retinoids are Avita, Retin-A and Renova.